UFC 290: Champ Jon 'Bones' Jones crowned with ESPY award as Best UFC Fighter of the Year

At the prestigious ESPY Awards, UFC heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones was honored as the Best UFC Fighter of the Year. The ceremony, which recognizes outstanding achievements in the world of sports, celebrated Jones’ remarkable accomplishments inside the Octagon. The award solidified Jones’ status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, highlighting his dominance and skill.

With an impressive record and numerous title defenses, Jones has consistently showcased his extraordinary talent and strategic prowess. This recognition at the ESPYs further solidifies his legacy as a legendary figure in mixed martial arts.

Jon Jones wins ESPY award

In a surprising turn of events, Jon Jones secured the prestigious 2023 ESPY award for Fighter of the Year, surpassing several other accomplished UFC champions. The announcement was made by Jon Anik during the UFC 290 broadcast, acknowledging Jones’ remarkable achievement. However, this win has sparked debate among fight fans, with many expressing skepticism about whether Jones truly deserved the honor.

Jon Jones wins an ESPY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Cc5jO8Ud2B

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 9, 2023

Considering Jones’ limited appearances in 2023 following his extended absence from the UFC’s Octagon, some argue that there are other fighters who have demonstrated more deserving performances. Contenders like Leon Edwards, Islam Makhachev, and the recently retired Amanda Nunes have showcased their outstanding accomplishments throughout the year.

Nevertheless, the immense anticipation surrounding Jones’ highly anticipated return likely played a significant role in securing him the award. While opinions may differ regarding the deserving recipient of the Fighter of the Year award, Jon Jones’ victory at the ESPYs adds another accolade to his already illustrious career, further solidifying his place among the top fighters in the UFC.

Previous ESPY award winners in UFC

In a remarkable shift of dominance, UFC fighters have claimed the ESPY’s Best Fighter of the Year award for three consecutive years, breaking the stronghold that boxers once held. Prior to 2015, boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao had shared the prestigious honor. However, the emergence of UFC fighters signaled a new era of MMA domination.

“Rowdy” Ronda became the first female UFC fighter to receive the award in 2015, owing to her massive success in MMA. The ‘Notorious’ Connor followed suit in 2016, elevating the UFC to new heights with his global appeal and record-breaking pay-per-view sales. Demetrious Johnson secured the accolade in 2017, further solidifying the UFC’s presence in the fighting world.

Daniel Cormier became the inaugural recipient of the ESPY’s Best MMA Fighter of the Year award in 2019 and his gym mate Khabib Nurmagomedov rightfully claimed the title in 2021, surpassing notable contenders in the lightweight division before retiring. Last year, Charles Oliveira’s remarkable run in the lightweight division led him to win the award in 2022.